Stormy pretzel

Nov 3, 2004, 12.36am IST

In an increasingly godless world, a tangible incarnation of evil serves equally well to rally the masses: the Other defines you. If you have doubts, ask US president George W Bush during his re-election campaign.

Osama bin Laden has emerged as a global icon of villainy, who makes his appearance on that very space where most ordinary people view dreaded felons, real or fictional: the television screen. Despite the 'white' forces of Pennsylvania Avenue coming out in full force to fight the black forces of Osama, the latter has by now become a "now you see him, now you don't" myth.

It adds to his global reach and domestic utility. That also explains why Americans had begun to feel that bin Laden could be anywhere - in Afghanistan, Brazil, the Bronx, Hyderabad, Lahore or even in election capitals, giving ideas on how to capitalise on terror! Only that would go some way in explaining a recent flip-flop on Bush's part; first he was intent on getting the man 'dead or alive' - but followed it up by being 'not really interested in him'.

But George W at least avoided the mistake of capturing bin Laden in the run-up to the presidential polls. That would have totally derailed his campaign, as there can be no fear minus it source: his catch-phrase was always "We're not safe from the terrorists."

That also explains the mileage he extracted from the terrorist attacks in Israel. Yet, 'no interest' is not akin to 'disinterest' -- especially given reports that Iraqi insurgents are being funded by the US allies in the region. No wonder the other presidential contender, Senator John Kerry, was driven to recently admit "Here I am in the state of New Mexico.

George Bush is still in the state of denial. New Mexico has five electoral votes. The state of denial has none." And, as Bush had said, "Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." The rest is history, as the Americans will it.